Construction timeline moves up on major Volusia traffic project

A major road project in Volusia County is moving forward sooner than expected, with state officials announcing that reconstruction of the I-95 and U.S. 1 interchange in Ormond Beach is beginning ahead of its earlier schedule. While the work is north of Edgewater, the project matters to local drivers who travel through the county for jobs, medical appointments, shopping, and regional trips along Interstate 95.

The interchange, originally built in the 1960s, has been described by officials as outdated for current traffic volumes. Reports cited by local news outlets say the redesign is intended to improve both safety and traffic flow at a location that has seen heavy congestion and a significant crash history. Gov. Ron DeSantis joined the kickoff in Ormond Beach and said the project was accelerated from a later start date.

What is changing at the interchange

According to the reports, the project will include three new bridges, longer and wider off-ramps, and a redesigned connection onto southbound I-95 so drivers will no longer need to turn left across traffic. U.S. 1 is also expected to be widened to six lanes between Plantation Oaks Boulevard and Destination Daytona. Officials said the new layout is meant to better handle modern traffic demand and reduce conflict points that can lead to crashes.

The state put the project on a list of transportation initiatives prioritized for faster delivery. One report said construction had previously been expected to start in fall 2027, while another described the work as having been moved up by years from an earlier long-range timeline. The estimated cost cited in coverage is about $130 million, and construction is expected to take roughly three to four years.

Why Edgewater readers may want to watch it

For Edgewater residents, the practical takeaway is that a major county transportation corridor is entering a long construction phase. Even though the work is in Ormond Beach, projects on I-95 and U.S. 1 can affect regional travel patterns, especially during peak tourism periods, special events, and weekend traffic surges. Drivers heading north through Volusia should expect the possibility of work zones, shifting traffic patterns, and future lane impacts as the project develops.

At the same time, the long-term goal is a safer and more efficient interchange on one of the county’s busiest routes. For residents who regularly drive beyond Edgewater, this is the kind of infrastructure project worth tracking early. As construction ramps up, motorists should watch for updates from transportation officials and local traffic reporting before making trips through the Ormond Beach corridor.